Forum Discussion

NorthOrSouth's avatar
NorthOrSouth
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014

Installing multiple outboard cameras for maneuvering safety

My 40' coach has a long wheelbase and a higher dash than some of the newer busses so visibility is a bit limited. I also tend to drive into smaller parking lots and tighter places that a lot of drivers won't take a bus (years of transit coach driving) because we boondock on the road but I still feel a bit vulnerable because the mirrors just don't cover enough real estate and I don't like having any blind spots.

Now that digital cameras are so cheap online, I'm wondering if anyone has done a multi camera setup? I'm thinking two side cameras mounted on the front facing back, two side cameras at the back facing front, rear view of course and possibly even one mounted low in the front for pulling up tight against other vehicles in my driveway. 6 cameras, one monitor and a switch? Or this common on the new coaches?

Ps Cameras forward facing mostly for low speed tight maneuvers. Rear facing sides and rear facing rear cameras on constantly on a triple split 10" wide screen while cruising to eliminate ALL blind spots.
Class A
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2014
    Since you were previously a transit driver, I'm guessing that you have a good eye for what will fit in a parking lot or through a tight gas station. The additional cameras will just confuse the situation.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 20, 2014
    I have a three camera system that i feel is enough. My rear camera has a tilt button and I can look straight down at my hitch, or up over my toad by just pushing the tilt button on the monitor. My other two side cameras give me a full screen view when I turn on the turn signal.
    I do have one other camera, that uses my GPS unit as the monitor, that is directly above my fuel fill. This lets me know exactly when I am opposite the fuel pump.
  • NorthOrSouth's avatar
    NorthOrSouth
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2014
    Dutch_12078 wrote:
    I'm not satisfied with the compromise view from the existing rear camera on this new to us Landau, since it doesn't "see" close enough to the rear bumper nor does it see much past the toad. The 5" B&W monitor is a bit small for a clear view as well, so I'm replacing the system with a 2-camera, 7" LCD color monitor system, with one camera mounted in the stock location for a "traffic view" and the other mounted below it for a "toad view" that covers from the rear bumper back to the toad.


    Good idea. A Near and Far camera would be awesome. Or even a tiltable one.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2014
    I have seen and test driven motor homes with small mirrors and I could not see enough area in them to satisfy me. I have large mirrors and do not normally even use the cameras. The cameras I have are somewhat of a distraction while driving/ moving down the high way so I do not use them.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2014
    I'm not satisfied with the compromise view from the existing rear camera on this new to us Landau, since it doesn't "see" close enough to the rear bumper nor does it see much past the toad. The 5" B&W monitor is a bit small for a clear view as well, so I'm replacing the system with a 2-camera, 7" LCD color monitor system, with one camera mounted in the stock location for a "traffic view" and the other mounted below it for a "toad view" that covers from the rear bumper back to the toad.
  • Two_Hands's avatar
    Two_Hands
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2014
    I already have too many things to pay attention to. I most definitely do not need any more.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Aug 20, 2014
    I've seen 4 camera systems with quadrant divided display
    Watch all 4, or just the one you want
    Your going to need some AB switches if you want to wire in 6 cameras

    I like side view, and maybe the forward facing one centered
    But I'm not sure about the forward facing side views/ corners
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2014
    Sounds like this would be just another driving distraction. Agree with other poster that the images would be so small it would be useless and scrolling through images would be difficult while manoevering.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2014
    I think all of those cameras are going to do nothing but confuse you and lead to problems.

    Before we bought our DP I had done a lot of reading and thought I wanted a multi-camera set up. After we bought, and it was a long ways to get the DP home, the mirrors were so good that I forgot all about the multi-cameras and never even use the rear one unless I have to back it right up against something.

    The multi cameras are either going to result in such small pictures with a couple of them on at one time, or you're going to get distracted pushing buttons switching cameras for the larger pictures.

    Bill

About Motorhome Group

38,708 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 05, 2025